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Randleman aldermen move ahead with plans for a soccer park

RANDLEMAN — Randleman Aldermen agreed to proceed with a proposed plan to develop a soccer park on city property on the east side of town Tuesday. The decision was made at the first meeting in the former Security Savings Bank building, now the home of Randleman’s new city hall.

The board authorized John Grey of The Wooten Company’s Asheboro office to draft a plan for a complete complex that would include two adult soccer parks, one small field, two baseball diamonds, tennis courts, concession stand, restrooms, a playground, picnic area and a hiking trail along the Deep River that could possibly be tied into the trails already constructed by the city. The park would be built on city land off Applewood Road.

Board members considered the potential for developing the park on land owned by the N.C. Department of Transportation (DOT) that adjoins the existing exit ramp on Interstate 73 leading to Academy Street. DOT had offered to lease the city the land for a nominal fee.

Gray told the board the DOT land would be less expensive to clear and grade. The cost to construct a park on the land would be roughly $335,000-$408,000. It would have excellent access from the interstate. But space would be limited. The property would accommodate, at most, two adult soccer fields, a smaller field for children, a concession stand, restrooms and a picnic area. Additionally, Gray pointed out, DOT will not sale the land. If at some point in the future, the state decided to put a road through the property, Randleman would lose its investment.

That fact seemed to sway board members. Although the cost to develop the Applewood Road property is estimated at $506,000, the board felt it would be in the city’s best interest to own the facility.

Ron Niland, city manager, told the board that he intends to apply for state recreation grants to help with the cost. Board members Mike Dawkins and Keith Wall suggested the Randolph County School system and Randolph County Commissioners might be able to contribute funds as well.

Gray was instructed to bring an exact plan and cost estimates to the Sept. 3 aldermen’s meeting.

In September, the board will also officially dedicated the new City Hall at the corner of Academy and Naomi streets. The public will be invited to view the new facility with a reception beginning at 6 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m.